Union Minister Kiren Rijiju Explained: “It’s Not a Bilateral Match” — Why India Played Against Pakistan in Asia Cup

New Delhi: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju addressed the controversy surrounding India’s match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, clarifying why India participated despite longstanding political tensions.

Speaking to the media, Rijiju said, “As far as this cricket match is concerned, it is not a bilateral game between India and Pakistan. If India does not play in the Asia Cup, then India will be out. The Olympics and the Asia Cup are not for Pakistan; it is for the whole world. India has not played a match against Pakistan. No bilateral has been played in Pakistan. Pakistan has not been invited separately.”

He further emphasized the need for rational thinking in sports diplomacy, stating, “If we do not go to the Olympics because of our enmity with a country, who will suffer the loss? So, this has to be understood. The sentiment is right, but there should be rational thinking behind the sentiment.”

Rijiju clarified that India’s participation in multi-nation tournaments, including the Asia Cup, Olympics, Asian Games, World Cup, and Asian Championship, is not about playing Pakistan alone. “India is not playing a bilateral match with Pakistan separately, but tournaments like the Olympics, Asian Games, Asian Championship, World Cup, and Asia Cup are multi-national, multi-lateral, all nations play together, there is no separate game between Pakistan and India,” he added.

The minister’s remarks have sparked widespread discussion on social media, with fans debating the role of sports in diplomacy and national sentiment. Analysts noted that Rijiju’s explanation seeks to balance patriotic emotions with pragmatic participation in international tournaments, ensuring India continues to compete on the global stage without compromising sportsmanship.